democrats and republicans still wrangeling over left lation to avert the so-called fiscal clf tax increase and budget cuts set to go into effect january 1st. we have a report there's no sign of a deal yet. >> reporter: as senators convened in a rare sunday session, they heard this prayer from the senate chaplain. >> look with favor on our nation and save us from self- inflicted wounds. >> reporter: the clock is ticking towards the new year's eve midnight hour when tax hikes and budget cuts swoop down from the fiscal cliff. the two senate leaders harry reid and mitch mcconnell are work on a stopgap bill. >> at some point, the negotiating process, it appears that there are things that stop us from moving forward. i hope we are not there but we are getting close. >> i want everyone to know i am willing to get this done. but i need a dance partner. >> reporter: the legislation would prevent a tax increase for reveille 98% of the -- for roughly 98% of workers extend unemployment benefits and prevent a huge cut in payments to medicare doctors. >> we should introduce legislation that would make s